Brummies will find out which political party or coalition will be running their city in just a few weeks’ time when an all-out council election takes place.
All 101 seats at Labour-run Birmingham City Council will be contested on May 7, which means the election will not only decide who represents your area but it will also be hugely significant for Brum’s future
The result will impact many important issues facing residents, including housing, bins, culture, social care, road maintenance, parks, libraries and much, much more.
READ MORE: Birmingham City Council elections – all you need to know about important May vote
The election follows a turbulent chapter in the city’s history, one marked by the fallout of a financial crisis and a bins strike which recently dragged into its second year.
Labour will be attempting to convince voters that the ‘bankrupt Birmingham’ tag has been ditched and that they can offer ‘fresh ambition’ for the future despite recent turmoil.
But they will be battling for seats on a complex battlefield which also features the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, independent candidates backed by controversial ‘TikTok lawyer’ Akhmed Yakoob and more.
Given what’s at stake in this election, it’s important Brummies are aware of the key dates and deadlines over the next few weeks as the build-up to May 7 continues.
Registering to vote
One major date residents will need to know is the deadline to register to vote, which is Monday, April 20.
Anyone wanting to apply for a postal vote has until 5pm the following day on Tuesday, April 21.
“Postal votes will be sent out in 2 tranches (stages),” the council writes on its website.
“To ensure your postal vote is sent out in the first tranche, around Thursday April 23, you should apply for your postal vote before Wednesday April 1.”
You can find out more about registering to vote on the government website here.
Candidate lists
Numerous candidates have already started campaigning and knocking on the doors of residents in the area in which they hope to become a councillor.
But the council has said it will publish the final list of candidates who are standing, and who will appear on the ballot paper, on Friday April 10 – just less than a month until the actual election.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service will report on all the candidates running across Birmingham once this list is published.
Poll cards
The council was sending poll cards, to let residents know where their polling station is, earlier this month around March 24.
Election date
The city council election itself will take place on Thursday May 7, with the results set to be announced the following day.
By Friday afternoon, Birmingham should have a clearer idea of who the winners and losers have been in the election – and possibly who is likely to take control of the city.
It’s also worth remembering that you will need to show photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence, at the polling station.
Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).
You can find out more about how to vote in the local elections on the Birmingham Council website here.
